A homeless man was found dead by a fisherman in a canal next to the Provo River Sunday afternoon and an autopsy shows he drown.

The man, identified as 51-year-old Thomas Stephen Bowers, had been living for several years in a makeshift campsite near where his body was found. Police report that evidence near the scene indicated recent alcohol consumption. They believe the man fell into the canal trying to cross it. A toxicology report due in a few weeks would confirm that.

Residents remembered him fondly.

"He was definitely family to the Will's Canyon Stop [gas station]," said Kassidy Faulkner whose family owns the gas station that Bowers frequented.

Bowers was remembered by those who regularly recreated along the Provo River trail as a sociable and kind person.

"He was a real nice fellow," Orem resident Tina Crowder said. "I never had reason to feel threatened by him."

All who came in contact with Bowers were complimentary of him. Bowers was able to support himself by collecting recyclables and selling them to a local recycling facility.

Any who knew Bower are invited write their condolences to his family by visiting Will's Canyon Stop at 1565 E. 800 North in Orem.

Copyright Brigham Young University 6 May 2008